Waterless urinal cartridge

ABSTRACT

A removable waterless urinal cartridge for installation in a urinal to conduct urine to a waste line includes a collection basin for collecting urine, a drain opening in the collection basin; and a p-trap assembly having an inlet connected to the drain opening, a p-trap having a trap height of at least 2 inches, a generally transverse extension at the outlet of the p-trap, and a generally vertical tail depending from the generally transverse extension to an outlet. There is a strainer disposed over the drain opening in the collection basin having a top and a sidewall having openings for liquid to pass from basin through the strainer and into the drain. A float member is disposed in the strainer to block the drain opening when liquid is not present.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/633,980, filed on Oct. 3, 2012. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to waterless urinal cartridges of the typeadapted to be temporarily installed in a urinal to conduct urine to awaste line without flushing.

Flushless or waterless urinals are increasingly popular because theydramatically reduce the amount of water used in a restroom. Withoutwater to flush the urine away, waterless urinals must otherwise isolatethe urine so that it does not create unpleasant smells. Currentwaterless urinals accomplish this by using a replaceable cartridgecontaining an oil that floats on the collected urine. Urine sinksthrough the oil, which seals in any smell from the urine. However, someof this oil can be washed down the drain even with normal use, thisproblem is exacerbated when the urinal is cleaned, or when users dumpwater, soda, or other liquids down the urinal. The cartridge or the oilin the cartridge must be replaced.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved removablewaterless urinal cartridge for installation in a urinal to conduct urineto the waste line of the urinal. Generally, a preferred embodiment of aremovable waterless urinal cartridge comprises a collection basin forcollecting urine. There is a drain opening in the collection basin. Ap-trap having an inlet is connected to the drain opening. The p-trap hasa trap height of at least 2 inches (5.08 cm). A generally transverseextension extends from the outlet of the trap, and a generally verticaltail extends downwardly from the generally transverse extension to anoutlet. A strainer is disposed over the drain opening in the collectionbasin. The strainer comprises a top and a sidewall having openings forliquid to pass from the basin through the strainer into the drain. Afloat member disposed in the strainer, the float member sized to blockthe drain opening when liquid is not present.

There is preferably a housing depending from the basin, which surroundsthe p-trap. The outlet of the p-trap opens to an opening in the housing.A deformable flange preferably extends around the circumference of thecartridge for sealingly engaging the urinal into which the cartridge isinstalled.

The collection basin is preferably generally circular, and has agenerally concave shape with the lowest point generally at the center ofthe basin. The drain opening is preferably positioned offset from, butadjacent to, the lowest point of the basin to fully drain the basin.There is preferably a circular recess in the basin surrounding thedrain, and the strainer preferably comprises a cup-shaped base, havingan opening therein, adapted to fit in the circular recess in the basin,with the opening in the cup-shaped base generally aligned with the drainopening in the basin. The strainer preferably has a generallycylindrical sidewall and a dome-shaped top.

There is preferably a constriction, such that the effectivecross-section of the drain opening is less than the cross-section of thep-trap. In the preferred embodiment, the opening in the cup-shaped baseis preferably smaller than the drain opening, and in the preferredembodiment the opening in the cup-shaped base is 97% or less of the sizeof the drain opening.

The p-trap preferably has an internal diameter of less than about 0.5inches (12.7 mm). The p-trap preferably has a trap volume of less thanabout 1.5 in³ (24.6 cm³), and more preferably less than about 1.10 in³(18 cm³).

There is preferably a vent opening in the p-trap distal to the trap,communicating with the interior of the enclosure. There is preferablyalso a vent in the enclosure, below the seal between the cartridge andthe urinal.

The drain opening and the opening of the base of the strainer arepreferably generally circular, and the float member is generallyspherical. The generally spherical float member has a diameter that isbetween about 1.5 and about 2 times the diameter of the circular openingin which it seats, and more preferably about 1.8 times the diameter ofthe circular opening in which it seats. The float preferably had adensity of between about 1.5 and about 3 pounds per cubic foot, and morepreferably about 2 pounds per cubic foot.

The cartridge can have at least one tab projecting from the surface ofthe basin with a hole therein for engagement with a tool, and preferablythere are at least two such tabs.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a removable waterless urinalcartridge for installation in a urinal, in accordance with theprinciples of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the waterless urinal cartridge;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a removable waterless urinalcartridge with portions broken away to show the interior construction;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section of the strainer assembly;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the waterless urinal cartridge; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the p-trap assembly.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

A preferred embodiment of a removable waterless urinal cartridge adaptedfor installation in a urinal to conduct urine to the waste line of theurinal is indicated generally as 20 in FIGS. 1-5 The waterless urinalcartridge 20 comprises a collection basin 22 for collecting urine. Thereis a drain opening 24 in the collection basin 22. A p-trap assembly 26having an inlet 28 is connected to the drain opening. The p-trap 30 ofthe p-trap assembly 26 has a trap height of at least 2 inches (5.08 cm).The p-trap assembly 26 further includes a generally transverse extension32, extending from the p-trap 30, and a generally vertical tail 34extending downwardly from the generally transverse extension to anoutlet 36. A strainer 38 is disposed over the drain opening in thecollection basin. The strainer comprises a top 40 and a sidewall 42having openings 44 for liquid to pass from basin 22, through thestrainer into the drain. A float member 46 is disposed in the strainer38, the float member is sized to block the drain opening when liquid isnot present.

There is preferably a housing 48 depending from the basin 22, whichsurrounds the p-trap assembly 26. The outlet of the p-trap assembly 26opens to an opening in the housing. A deformable sealing flange 50preferably extends around the circumference of the cartridge 20 forsealingly engaging the urinal into which the cartridge is installed.

The collection basin 22 is preferably generally circular, and has agenerally concave shape with the lowest point generally at the center ofthe basin. The drain opening 24 is preferably positioned offset from,but adjacent to, the lowest point of the basin to fully drain the basin.There is preferably a circular recess 52 in the basin surrounding thedrain. The strainer 38 preferably comprises a cup-shaped base 54, havingan opening 56 therein, adapted to fit in the circular recess 52 in thebasin 22, with the opening in the cup-shaped base generally aligned withthe drain opening in the basin. The strainer preferably has a generallycylindrical sidewall 58 and a dome-shaped top 60.

There is preferably a constriction, such that the effectivecross-section of the drain opening is less than the cross-section of thep-trap 30. In the preferred embodiment, the opening 56 in the cup-shapedbase 54 is preferably smaller than the drain opening 24, and in thepreferred embodiment the opening in the cup-shaped base is 97% or lessof the size of the drain opening. In the preferred embodiment, thediameter of the opening in the cup-shaped base is about 0.5496 inches(13.96 mm), and the opening in the drain is 0.57 inches (14.48 mm)

The p-trap 30 preferably has an internal diameter of less than about 0.5inches (12.7 mm). The p-trap preferably has a trap volume of less thanabout 1.5 in³ (24.6 cm³), and more preferably less than about 1.10 in³(18 cm³). The trap is preferably sized to be less, and preferablysubstantially less, than a the typical volume of urine expelled (between250 cc and 500 cc), so that each use substantially flushes the existingliquid in the trap, to further retard smells.

The typical male urine volume is between about 200 ml and about 500 ml,which because of the small volume of the trap, results in a nearlycomplete exchange of the new urine for the urine in the trap. Thecontinual exchange of the urine in the trap helps control odors. Odorsare further contained by the float member 46 which closes the trap untilliquid is present. By eliminating the use of oil as a trap, water anddetergents can be used to periodically wash the trap.

There is preferably a vent opening 62 in the p-trap assembly 26 distalto the p-trap 30, communicating with the interior of the housing. Thereis preferably also at least one vent 64 in the enclosure, below the seal50 between the cartridge 20 and the urinal. The vent 62 helps preventliquid in the p-trap 30 from being siphoned down the waste drain. Thevolume inside the housing 48 usually provides sufficient vending, butvents 64 in the housing also provide access to the waste drain volume.Because the vents are located blow the seal 50 on the cartridge, thecartridge 20 does not allow appreciate sewer gases to escape.

The drain opening 24 and the opening 56 of the base of the strainer 38are preferably generally circular, and the float member 46 is generallyspherical. The generally spherical float member 46 has a diameter thatis between about 1.5 and about 2.0 times the diameter of the circularopening in which it seats, and more preferably about 1.8 times thediameter. The float preferably had a density of between about 1 andabout 3 pounds per cubic foot, and more preferably about 2 pounds percubic foot. The float is preferably made from a closed cell expandedpolystyrene, or other suitable material. The float can be painted orcoated if desired to further resist absorption of urine and otherfluids.

The cartridge can have at least one tab 66 projecting from the surfaceof the basin 22, each with a hole 68 therein for engagement with a tool,and preferably there are at least two such tabs 66. The exterior of thehousing can be provided with splines or keys 70 adapted to be receivedin slots in the urinal to properly orient the cartridge in the urinal,and prevent the cartridge from rotating.

The cartridge 22 is preferably made from a molded plastic such aspolyvinyl chloride (PVC), but could be made from some other durable,inexpensive material. Some or all of the components of the cartridge canbe impregnated with or coated with germicidal and/or fungicidalcompositions to retard the grown of germs and fungus, which also helpscontrol odors. Some or all of the components can be impregnated with orcoated with deodorizer compositions. The compositions can includequaternary ammonia compounds, bacteria or enzymes that break down urineor components of the urine such as uric acid, and triclosan.

Visible portions of the insert, for example the basin 22 and/or the top40 of the strainer 38, could include a colorant or other additives thatcan provide a visual indicator of when the cartridge 20 should bereplaced. These colorants or additives can change color over time, orfor example with exposure to air or urine.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1. A removable waterless urinal cartridge for installation in a urinalto conduct urine to a waste line of the urinal, the waterless urinalcartridge comprising: a collection basin for collecting urine, thecollection basin being generally circular, having a generally concaveshape with the lowest point generally at the center of the basin, andthe drain opening being positioned offset from, but adjacent to, thelowest point of the basin to fully drain the basin; a drain opening inthe collection basin; a housing depending from the collection basin; ap-trap assembly inside the housing and having an inlet connected to thedrain opening in the collection basin, a p-trap having a trap height ofat least 2 inches (5.08 cm) and an internal diameter of less than 0.5inches (12.7 mm), a generally transverse extension at the outlet of thep-trap, and a generally vertical tail depending from the generallytransverse extension to an outlet that opens to an outlet in thehousing; and a strainer disposed over the drain opening in thecollection basin, the strainer comprising a top and a sidewall havingopenings for liquid to pass from basin through the strainer and into thedrain; and a float member disposed in the strainer, the float membersized to block the drain opening when liquid is not present. 2.(canceled)
 3. The waterless urinal cartridge according to claim 1further comprising a deformable flange around the circumference of thecartridge for sealingly engaging the urinal into which the cartridge isinstalled.
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. The waterless urinal cartridgeaccording to claim 1 wherein the p-trap has a trap volume of less thanabout 1.5 in³ (24.6 cm³).
 7. The waterless urinal cartridge according toclaim 6 wherein the p-trap has a trap volume of less than about 1.10 in³(18 cm³).
 8. The waterless urinal cartridge according to claim 1 whereinthere is a circular recess in the basin surrounding the drain, andwherein the strainer comprises a cup-shaped base, having an openingtherein, the cup-shaped base adapted to fit in the circular recess inthe basin, with the opening in the cup-shaped base aligned with thedrain opening in the basin.
 9. The waterless urinal cartridge accordingto claim 8 wherein the opening in the cup-shaped base is smaller thanthe drain opening.
 10. The waterless cartridge according to claim 9wherein the cup-shaped base is less than 97% of the size of the drainopening.
 11. The waterless cartridge according to claim 1 wherein thereis a constriction such that the effective cross-section of the drainopening is less than the cross-section of the p-trap.
 12. The waterlesscartridge according to claim 11 wherein the constriction is formed bythe strainer.
 13. The waterless cartridge according to claim 1 furthercomprising a vent opening in the p-trap assembly between the p-trap andthe outlet, communicating with the interior of the enclosure.
 14. Thewaterless cartridge according to claim 13 further comprising a seal onthe exterior of the cartridge for sealingly engaging the urinal in whichthe cartridge is installed, and at least one vent in the enclosure, thevent in the enclosure venting the enclosure to the urinal below theseal.
 15. The waterless cartridge according to claim 1 wherein thestrainer has a generally cylindrical sidewall and a dome-shaped top. 16.The waterless cartridge according to claim 1 wherein there is agenerally circular seat aligned with the drain, and wherein the floatmember is spherical, and has a diameter that is between about 1.5 andabout 2.0 times the diameter of the circular seat.
 17. The waterlessurinal cartridge according to claim 1 wherein the float has a density ofbetween about 1 and about 3 pounds per cubic foot.
 18. The waterlessurinal cartridge according to claim 1 further comprising at least onetab projecting from the surface of the basin with a hole therein forengagement with a tool.
 19. The waterless urinal cartridge according toclaim 18 wherein there are at least two tabs projecting from the surfaceof the basin.